Water, water everywhere
There isn’t quite as perfect a name for a place than that of Waterford. This township is home to a large array of lakes, providing serene natural backdrops to this corner of southeastern Michigan. Taking out boats, going for a swim or just enjoying the great outdoors is always an option here with its plentiful bodies of water. However, there is plenty to explore in Waterford beyond its recreational areas. The township also has lots of places to find unique apparel, a good meal and a lively event to attend.
Swimming, hiking and more
Waterford’s many parks offer lots of ways to get fresh air and exercise and even find local wildlife. Dodge #4 State Park draws many visitors to its beach at the immense Cass Lake. Drayton Plains Nature Center includes an interpretive nature center, fish hatchery ponds and several hiking trails. Pontiac Lake Recreation Area has an 11-mile trail mountain bike trail that has been ranked among the top 100 trails in the United States. Little ones can enjoy the animal exhibit farm, ball pit and playground at Hess-Hathaway Park. In the warmer months, golf players can hit the ranges at the Pontiac Country Club and Waterford Oaks Wave Pool is a great spot to cool off and beat the heat.
Shopping and dining out in Waterford
When Waterford residents need to purchase groceries, they can visit Kroger and Meijer, both popular supermarket chains with locations in town. The Oakland County Farmers Market supplies fresh produce and locally made goods while the Oakland Pointe Shopping Center and Oakland Mall also provide more retailers. The Dixieland Flea Market, a state landmark for over four decades, holds over 200 vendors and visitors can find a diverse market of items from everyday treasures to rare gems. When dining out, there are plenty of spots to grab a bite. Popular restaurant Fork N’ Pint, which serves up burgers, artisan pizzas and smokehouse meats, has won several accolades from the Oakland Press’s “Best of the Best: Readers Choice Awards.”
Local events and culture in Waterford
There are frequent opportunities to attend fun community events in Waterford. The Waterford Festival of the Arts is held at the recreation center and hosts 50 vendors and artisans. Autumn kicks off with Harvest Happening's hay rides, crafts and concessions. Storytime Saturdays at the Farm bring local farmers to Hess-Hathaway Park for an interactive story hour with the local children. Residents of faith will find many houses of worship around, including Bethany Baptist and The Eternal Mother Temple.
Lakeside homes
Given the plentiful lakes in the township, it’s no surprise that many homes have water views and their own private docks. Residents can expect to see many ranch-styles and Craftsmans dotting the lakeside neighborhoods, and condominiums are also available. There are also several homeowners’ associations in the township and a Neighborhood Preservation Corps, showing how residents maintain pride in the maintenance of their communities. Waterford home prices range between $72,000, such as for a one-bed/ one-bath condo and $1.9 million for a larger waterfront property with four beds and eight baths. Homes sell after about 27 days on market, compared to the national average of 42 days. The median price for a home is $249,950, which is up 2% from the previous 12 months, as of March 2024.
Waterford School District
Students in Waterford primarily attend schools in the Waterford School District. The district received a C-plus grade from Niche and includes nine elementary schools, two middle schools and three high schools. The district was also internationally accredited and over 70% of its teachers hold master’s degrees or higher. College-age students can attend the Highland Lakes campus of Oakland Community College, which is seven miles away. The college has over 70 transfer agreements with four-year-institutions including Wayne State University and the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor campus.)
Transportation and other important services
State Route 24, locally known as Telegraph Road, is an important road. This state route begins in Auburn Hills at the Interstate-75 interchange and traverses northward through the “thumb” of Michigan. State Route 59 – which runs as Highland Road in its Waterford segment – and extends from Howell to Mount Clemens. The average commute time within Waterford is 27.5 minutes. The city is eight miles to Pontiac, 38 miles to Detroit and 45 miles to Ann Arbor. Residents who need to catch a flight can drive less than four miles over to Oakland County International Airport, and for those who need medical care, Assist 1 Medical Center and Pontiac General Hospital are available.
Crime and environment
The crime rate in the township has been experiencing a slight upward trend. Data from the FBI’S Crime Data Explorer shows that there were 142 all-violent crimes and 156 offenses committed in 2021. The next year, there was a 5.3% rise in crime, with 150 all-violent crimes and 163 offenses reported. Waterford is served by the Waterford Township Police Department (WTPD). Although the township’s location near several lakes is convenient, an environmental factor that residents should consider is the moderate risk of severe heat. The township makes efforts to be eco-conscious, like their annual Earth Day Township Clean-up Events and their work with the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to protect the local wetlands.
![Colette Lane]()
Photography Contributed By
Colette Lane
